The pope held his weekly General Audience from the confines of the Apostolic library. Due to Italy and the Vatican's measures to avoid large gatherings as a preventive measure against the coronavirus, the Audience was not even shown on the screens in St. Peter's Square. It was however, streamed online.
Pope Francis addressed those affected by the coronavirus, and those facing uncertainty in front of their own illnesses. He also thanked medical personnel and volunteers for remaining close to those who suffer in this difficult time.
POPE FRANCIS
I thank all Christians, all men and women of goodwill, who are praying in this moment, all united, no matter which religious tradition they belong to.
As in past days, the pope once more called attention to the plight of Syrian men, women and children suffering war, poverty and exile.
POPE FRANCIS
I don't want this pain, this powerful epidemic, to make us forget the poor Syrians who are suffering on the border between Greece and Turkey.
During his reflection, Pope Francis spoke of the fourth Beatitude: “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.”
He said this thirst for truth is present even in those who seem to be far from the path of righteousness.
POPE FRANCIS
In every heart—even in the most corrupt person, the person farthest away from good—is hidden a yearning for light, even if it is buried underneath the rubble of deception and errors. However, the thirst for truth and goodness is always there. It is the thirst for God.
The pope reminded those following the audience online that each person is called to rediscover what truly matters in life.
CT
